FROM WASTE TO WELLBEING: ANALYSING SOLAPUR'S CLEAN CITY MISSION, SOLAPUR, INDIA

Urban waste management remains a criticalchallenge for rapidly growing tier-II cities in India. This studyassesses the implementation and impact of the Clean CityMission, with a specific focus on the innovative "Ghanta Gadi"door-to-door waste collection system, in Solapur MunicipalCorporation (SMC). Employing a mixed-methods approach,the research analyses policy frameworks, budgetaryallocations, stakeholder roles, and operational outcomesthrough document analysis, media review, and semistructuredinterviews (n=25). The findings indicate significantimprovements post-implementation: door-to-door collectioncoverage increased from 60% to 95%, public complaints reduced by 40%, and the city's nationalcleanliness ranking improved from 88th to 63rd. Despite these successes, challenges persist, includingbudgetary constraints for infrastructure, inconsistent citizen participation in waste segregation, andservice gaps in densely populated wards. The study concludes that the integration of technology (QR codes,GPS tracking) with multi-stakeholder engagement is pivotal for effective urban sanitation. However,sustained success requires enhanced public awareness, capacity building, and strategic public-privatepartnerships. This case study offers valuable insights for policymakers in similar urban contexts aiming toachieve sustainable waste management goals under national missions like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.